fire | Fleenor Security

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Will Fleenor — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:34:21 +0000

Have a Safe and Secure Holiday Season!

In addition to this year’s holiday preparations, do not forget to add fire safety to your list, and be sure to check it twice! With the holidays approaching, Fleenor Security is urging people to look for and eliminate potential fire safety hazards caused by holiday lighting and decorations.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, holiday decorations are responsible for hundreds of residential fires per year that result in death, injury, and $11 million in direct property loss. Buddy the Elf said it best, don’t be a “cotton-headed ninny muggings” follow these fire safety tips to keep your holiday season merry and bright!

Cook With Care

The U.S. Fire Administration states that forty-seven percent of home fires start while cooking. The holiday season can be a busy time, and it is easy to neglect proper caution while cooking. So, while preparing the perfect meal for your loved ones, be sure to remain in the kitchen and cook with care.

Picking the Perfect Tree

When purchasing a live tree, it is important to check the freshness. A fresh tree is green, and the needles are difficult to pull off. A great way to check the freshness of a tree is to bend the needles between your fingers. If they do not break, the tree is fresh! Once you have found the perfect tree, be sure to water it daily and place it away from any heat source. If you prefer an artificial tree, look for the label “fire-resistant”. While this does not guarantee the tree will not catch fire, it means the tree will resist burning and extinguish quickly.

Holiday Lighting Galore

Holiday lighting may make the season merry and bright, but these beautiful decorations don’t come without risks. Luckily, with proper preparation and safety tips, you can decorate with peace of mind.

When decorating your property, only use lights that have been tested and indicate the appropriate safety standards.
Check each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections. Throw away any damaged sets.
Be sure to use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.
Never overload electrical outlets. Overloading your outlets with more wattage than they can hold increases the risks for power outages and home fires.
Keep all cords out of reach of children and pets and away from snow or water.
Be sure to turn off all lights before heading to bed each night.

While it is important to decorate with caution, the best way to ensure your family’s safety is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand, call today for a free system evaluation.

The post Holiday Fire Safety Tips first appeared on Fleenor Security.

Keep your home safe and secure this holiday season

Will Fleenor — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:01:18 +0000

Keep Your Home Safe and Secure this Holiday Season!

Whether you’re home for the holidays or setting off on a well-deserved family vacation, the security of your home is of top importance. Join Fleenor Security as we go through helpful tips to keep your home safe and secure this holiday season!

Holiday shopping early this year?

Be sure to keep it under wraps! Setting out perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree may be all too tempting for an optimistic thief. At the same time, leaving empty boxes from large purchases outside on the curb could also let a burglar know that your home might be worth the risk. Be sure to break down all boxes before setting them outside and keep gifts in a location that is not easily seen from the outside.

Exciting travel plans underway?

If you are planning on traveling during the holiday season, be sure to tell a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away. Ask them if they can check on your property, take your mail and packages inside your home, and even park a car in your driveway. A build-up of mail is a tell-tale sign for a burglar that the house may be empty. So better yet, it is always a good idea to contact your local post office to ask to put a hold on your mail while you are away.

Social Media do’s and don’ts

Be sure to keep your travel plans off all social media sites. Even if your followers consist of close friends and family, it is never a good idea to broadcast that you will be away from your home for an extended period. Instead, save the fun-filled family pictures for when you return!

Join the Fleenor Family

Consider investing in a home security system. A home security system with smart home automation allows you to remain connected to your property. With a mobile app, you can control your system directly from your smartphone. You can turn on and off lights, ensure all doors are locked, and even set your thermostat to take advantage of energy savings. You’ll likewise get a notification right on your phone if a sensor is triggered. A home security system can bring you peace of mind that your home is safe and secure while you’re away.

The best way to stay safe and secure this holiday season is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand in the customization of your home security. Contact us today and request a free system quote!

The post Keep your home safe and secure this holiday season first appeared on Fleenor Security.

Fire Prevention Week: Learning the Sounds of Fire Safety!

Will Fleenor — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:06:45 +0000

Learning the Sounds of Fire Safety!

In honor of the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week, your friends at Fleenor Security are encouraging everyone to learn the sounds of fire safety!

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire. With the mission to provide lifesaving education to help decrease the casualties caused by fires. The 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Learning the sounds of fire safety”, along with the slogan “hear a beep, get on your feet, hear a chirp, make a change”.

Join Fleenor Security as we explain the difference between a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, as well as the different noises they emit. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will help keep you, your family, and your home safe and secure.

Smoke Alarms:

When it comes to a fire, every second counts. Having the ability to immediately recognize and react to the sounds of your smoke alarm gives you and your family a chance to escape.

a continuous set of three loud beeps – BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! – means there is smoke or fire present within your home. You will need to get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
A single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds means your battery is low and needs to be changed.
Chirping that continues after the batteries have been changed, means your smoke alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
All smoke alarms must be replaced after ten years.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Due to its undetectable properties, carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer! It is imperative to have Carbon Monoxide alarms installed around your home and to be able to recognize the sound they emit.

A continuous set of four loud beeps – BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! – means there is carbon monoxide within your home. Individuals will need to get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
A single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds means your battery is low and needs to be changed.
If the chirping continues after the batteries have been replaced, it means your Carbon Monoxide alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

Visit Fleenor Security’s Carbon Monoxide Blog to learn more about spotting the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Monitored Fire Protection:

Traditional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors may activate when needed, but if no one is around, they will not help prevent disasters. Monitored systems connect to our local central station, meaning that first responders are alerted quickly to emergencies and can be on the scene even when you are not. Monitored fire protection is also essential in cases where occupants are incapable of responding, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, children, and pets.

Monitored systems also offer the option of a voice alarm. A voice alarm can wake a child up to three times faster than the traditional beeping sound.* In the event of an emergency, this extra time is extremely valuable.

The best way to ensure your family’s safety is to be proactive with the security of your home. The professionals at Fleenor Security are here to provide a helping hand in the customization of your home security. Contact us today and request a free system quote!

*Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

The post Fire Prevention Week: Learning the Sounds of Fire Safety! first appeared on Fleenor Security.

How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

Will Fleenor — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 02:00:05 +0000

How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

Are you prepared? In the event of an emergency, every second counts. More often than not, fire extinguishers are purchased and immediately stored away, never to be seen again until the event of a fire. It is vital to take a few minutes to become proficient in the use of your fire extinguisher beforehand. The last thing you want is to be forced to learn on the spot and risk the level of damage becoming more severe. When it comes to your home and family, there is no room for error. So, if you do not know how to properly use a fire extinguisher, this article is for you!

Maintaining Your Fire Extinguisher

It is important to become familiar with your fire extinguisher. Be sure to read the operating instructions and warning label located on your fire extinguisher. While all fire extinguishers share a common goal, not all look alike. Another great way to prepare yourself is to examine your fire extinguisher for possible malfunctions. Inspect the hose, nozzle, and seals for possible cracks or rips. If you find any malfunctions, have it serviced or replaced immediately. Check the pressure gauge located on your fire extinguisher. The average lifespan of a fire extinguisher is between 5 to 15 years. To ensure it is still working properly, be sure the gauge indicates proper pressure. If it does not indicate proper pressure, have it replaced immediately. Finally, make sure your fire extinguisher is stored in a proper location, to ensure accessibility in the event of emergency.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Not all fires are the same. The type of fire will dictate the type of fire extinguisher needed to get the job done. Before purchasing a fire extinguisher, be sure to evaluate the environment it will be placed in and identify any possible hazards. For example, an ABC fire extinguisher is suitable for your home and most public places. It is capable of extinguishing material, liquid, electric and even small grease fires. While class K fire extinguishers are recommended for commercial kitchens and other large-scale work environments.

Class A Fires: consist of combustible materials such as wood, paper, fabric, rubber, and plastic.

Class B Fires: are caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum greases, tar, oils, solvents, and alcohol. Class B fires also include certain gases such as propane and butane.

Class C Fires: involves electrical equipment such as computers, motors, transformers, and appliances.

Class D Fires: consist of combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.

Class K Fires: involves cooking oils and greases. It is important to never use water on a grease fire as it will cause the flames to explode and spread.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

To operate a fire extinguisher properly, use the acronym “PASS”.

PULL: Pull the pin located at the top of the device, it is usually attached to a plastic or metal ring. The pin is there to prevent accidental discharge.

AIM: Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire, this is where the fire is fueled.

SQUEEZE: Squeeze the lever above the handle slowly to release the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

SWEEP: Sweep the nozzle left to right until the fire is out. Be sure to keep aiming at the base of the fire while moving side to side. Most fire extinguishers will give you 10-20 seconds of discharge time.

The best way to prepare for a fire is to have monitored smoke detectors. Traditional smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and heat sensors will activate when needed, but if no one is around, they will not help prevent disasters. Fleenor Security’s monitored systems are connected to our local central station. This means that first responders are alerted quickly to emergencies and can be on the scene even when you are not. Monitored systems are also important if the occupant is unable to effectively respond to a traditional smoke alarm. The effects of smoke inhalation can quickly take place and cause an occupant to fall into a deep, which makes it more difficult to hear the siren of a traditional smoke alarm.

The post How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher first appeared on Fleenor Security.

Protecting Your Home and Family This Holiday Season

Will Fleenor — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 18:24:59 +0000

Christmas Tree Safety Tips for the Holidays

Is there really anything that rings in the holiday season more than having a live Christmas tree in the house?The smell alone puts you in the mood to sing carols and wrap gifts.

While a real tree is definitely festive, having one in your home means you need to take the right precautions to make sure you don’t end up with a fire because of it. Christmas trees, in fact, cause more than 13 million dollars in property damage in this country every year so it’s important to take care of them properly.

Here are some tips to make sure you don’t have these kind of issues with your live tree:

Make sure when selecting a tree, that it’s fresh. The tree should have vibrant green needles that are difficult to pull out and don’t break easily. If the tree’s needles are shedding, don’t choose it.
Make sure the tree is placed at least three feet away from heat vents, fireplaces, candles, radiators or lights.
Don’t allow the tree to block an exit.
Before putting the tree in the stand, cut a couple of inches off the bottom.
Don’t forget to put water in the tree stand once the tree is placed. Add water every day to keep the tree from drying out.
Use lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory for safety and get rid of any that are damaged. Also never use indoor lights outdoors.
If you have frayed cords or loose bulbs replace the lights.
Don’t connect too many strands of lights to one plug-in.
Never use lit candles for decoration on or near the tree.
Don’t leave the lights on when you’re not at home or after you’ve gone to bed
at night.

One more thing, after the holidays, dispose of the tree properly. Don’t leave the tree
near the house or in the garage as they remain a fire hazard. Nearly all communities
have a recycling program.

If you follow these simple tips, you’ll have a worry-free Christmas when it comes to
concerns about having a live tree in the house.

The post Protecting Your Home and Family This Holiday Season first appeared on Fleenor Security.

Fire Prevention Week

Will Fleenor — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 13:02:24 +0000

Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 9-15, and the theme is “Don’t Wait, Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

A fire is one of the most destructive and devastating things that can happen to

your home or business. And the National Fire Protection Association™ (NFPA) most recent statistics regarding fires are eye opening.

In 2014, there were 494,000 structure fires in this country, which caused 2,860 deaths, 13,425 injuries and an astounding $9.8 billion in property damage. Fire departments responded to a fire every 24 seconds (this includes vehicle fires, outside fires, etc.), but more surprising might be the fact that there was one home structure fire reported every 86 seconds.

Let that sink in for a moment…over the course of one hour that translates into nearly 42 home fires, or about 1,008 fires in a 24-hour period. Imagine the property damage, loss of life and injuries that occur in just one day’s time.

That’s one reason that during Fire Prevention Month, which is October, the NFPA decided that this year’s official theme for Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 9-15, is “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

The focus of this campaign is to make people understand the importance of checking their smoke alarms. Studies show that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are or how often they need to be replaced.

Smoke alarms should, in fact, be replaced at least every 10 years. Because many people don’t realize this, it puts them and their homes at an increased risk for a home fire.

According to the NFPA, in 20 percent of all U.S. homes with smoke alarms, the smoke alarms aren’t working properly or at all and three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without smoke alarms (38 percent) or with inoperable smoke alarms (21 percent).

Just because you have smoke alarms in your home that doesn’t automatically protect you from fires. It takes regular testing and maintenance to make sure you’re as safe as you can possibly be.

And at Fleenor Security, our intrusion detection system can also serve as your home’s fire and gas detection system with the addition of low voltage smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.

Our fire detection systems generally consist of smoke detectors (placed in bedrooms, hallways and on each floor of the structure), heat detectors (generally placed in laundry rooms, attics, unfinished basements and garages), carbon monoxide detectors (located in or near bedrooms) and natural and propane gas detectors (placed in HVAC equipment rooms).

Give us a call today so we can talk to you about installing a fire detection system!

The post Fire Prevention Week first appeared on Fleenor Security.